插件名称	Felan Framework
漏洞类型	Hardcoded credentials
CVE 编号	CVE-2025-10850
急	高
CVE 发布日期	2025-10-16
源网址	CVE-2025-10850

Urgent Security Advisory — Felan Framework plugin (<= 1.1.4): Hardcoded Credentials (CVE-2025-10850)

作者： WP-Firewall Research Team

日期： 2025-10-16

标签： WordPress, Vulnerability, WAF, Incident Response, Felan Framework

概括： A critical Broken Authentication vulnerability has been published for the Felan Framework WordPress plugin (versions <= 1.1.4). The issue (CVE-2025-10850) allows unauthenticated actors to abuse hardcoded credentials in the plugin to perform privileged actions. The vulnerability is rated CVSS 9.8 and is fixed in version 1.1.5. If you run this plugin, you must act immediately: update, contain, and verify you were not compromised.

Table of contents

• What happened
• Why this matters for WordPress site owners
• Technical summary of the issue
• How attackers can abuse hardcoded credentials — realistic attack scenarios
• Immediate actions (0–24 hours)
• Containment and mitigation (when you can’t immediately update)
• Detection and incident response (what to look for)
• Recovery and hardening after compromise
• Guidance for developers to avoid hardcoded secrets
• How WP-Firewall protects sites from this kind of risk
• Start protecting right away — free baseline protection (sign-up info)
• Appendix: practical commands and WAF rule examples

---

What happened

Security researchers disclosed a Broken Authentication vulnerability affecting the Felan Framework WordPress plugin up to and including version 1.1.4. The root cause: hardcoded credentials embedded in the plugin code. These credentials can be used by unauthenticated attackers to gain access to privileged functionality that should not be available publicly.

The vendor released version 1.1.5 which removes the hardcoded credentials and patches the authentication flow. However, many websites run outdated plugins and remain exposed. Attackers frequently scan the internet for new high-severity bugs like this and automate attacks within hours to days.

Why this matters for WordPress site owners

Hardcoded credentials are a severe and straightforward vulnerability:

• They bypass application authentication logic because the secret is built into code that an attacker can discover or exploit.
• If those credentials grant admin-level actions or access to remote APIs, the attacker can create admin users, inject backdoors, exfiltrate data, or pivot to other systems.
• The exploit requires no authentication, meaning the entire internet can attempt exploitation.
• This vulnerability is rated CVSS 9.8 — it’s critical and likely to be mass-scanned and exploited soon after disclosure.

If your site runs Felan Framework <= 1.1.4, assume risk until you patch and verify integrity.

Technical summary of the issue

Hardcoded credentials occur when a developer embeds fixed usernames, passwords, API keys, or tokens inside application code. In a WordPress context, that can look like:

• A username/password pair used directly in a plugin endpoint check (e.g., if ($user === 'admin' && $pass === 'secret123') ...).
• API keys or tokens committed into a plugin file and used to authenticate privileged operations or remote services.
• A backdoor-like authorization mechanism that accepts a hardcoded token.

When such credentials are present and exposed to the application flow, an attacker can craft requests that include the expected credential or trigger the logic path that accepts the hardcoded value.

This vulnerability was reported as allowing unauthenticated actors to execute actions normally reserved for higher privileges. The fix eliminates the hardcoded secret and replaces it with proper authentication and authorization checks.

CVE: CVE-2025-10850
Patch: update Felan Framework to version 1.1.5 or later

How attackers can abuse hardcoded credentials — realistic attack scenarios

To help you understand the urgency, below are practical abuse patterns attackers will try:

1. Direct exploitation of a public endpoint
   • The plugin exposes an admin-facing endpoint (e.g., /wp-json/felan/v1/action or /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=felan_do) that checks for a hardcoded token or username in the request. An attacker sends requests with that token to trigger privileged actions: create a user, run arbitrary code, change settings.
2. Credential extraction via source access
   • If plugin files are accidentally accessible (through misconfigured servers, backups, public Git repos), the attacker can directly read the hardcoded secret and then use it to call the endpoint.
3. Chaining privileges
   • Once the attacker leverages the hardcoded credential to create an admin user or activate a malicious plugin/theme, they can persist, install backdoors, and move laterally across multiple sites (if hosting controls are shared).
4. Automated mass exploitation
   • Because the exploit can be scripted with a single request pattern, attackers will build scanners and attempt exploitation across thousands of sites.

Immediate actions (0–24 hours)

If you manage or host WordPress sites, treat this as critical. Follow these steps now:

1. Identify affected sites
   • Search your server(s) and site inventory for the Felan Framework plugin.
   • On the site, confirm plugin version (Dashboard → Plugins, or read plugin header in wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/readme.txt 或者 felan-framework.php).
2. Update the plugin immediately
   • Upgrade the plugin to version 1.1.5 or later. This is the definitive fix.
   • If you manage many sites, schedule mass updates in your management platform or use WP-CLI:
     wp plugin update felan-framework --version=1.1.5
3. If you cannot update immediately, implement temporary containment:
   • Restrict access to the plugin endpoints via WAF rules, server-level rules, or by temporarily blocking the plugin path (examples in the “Containment and mitigation” section below).
4. Audit and verify
   • After updating, run a basic audit (see Detection and incident response) to verify no compromise occurred.

Containment and mitigation (when you can’t immediately update)

If you cannot update right away (for compatibility or scheduling reasons), take immediate mitigations to reduce exploitation risk:

1. Block access to plugin endpoints
   • If the plugin exposes a REST route or admin-ajax handlers, block or challenge requests to those endpoints unless they originate from authorized IPs.
   • Example: Nginx deny access to the plugin directory (warning: may break legitimate functionality):

   location ~* /wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/ {
       deny all;
       return 403;
   }

   Use this only as an emergency measure and test site functionality.

2. Block specific request patterns with WAF
   • Configure the WAF to block requests that match parameters or headers used in exploitation. For instance, if the exploit requires a specific POST parameter name, block requests that contain that param.
   • Example ModSecurity rule (conceptual):

   SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains /wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/" "id:100100,phase:2,deny,status:403,log,msg:'Blocked Felan framework exploit attempt'"

   Customize rule IDs and patterns to your environment.

3. Rate-limit and challenge (CAPTCHA) public endpoints
   • Add rate-limiting and challenge mechanisms on 管理员-ajax.php and REST API endpoints.
4. Hard deny suspicious user-agent strings used by scanners
   • While not foolproof, blocking common automated scanner user-agents reduces background noise.
5. Isolate the site if you detect active exploitation
   • If logs show exploitation attempts that succeeded, put the site in maintenance mode and isolate it from networks to prevent further damage.

Detection and incident response (what to look for)

Assume any site running the vulnerable plugin may have been targeted. Follow a systematic incident response checklist.

1. Check for new or modified admin accounts
   • WP-CLI:
     wp user list --role=administrator --format=table
   • SQL:
     SELECT ID, user_login, user_email, user_registered FROM wp_users WHERE ID IN (SELECT user_id FROM wp_usermeta WHERE meta_key = 'wp_capabilities' AND meta_value LIKE '%administrator%');
   • Look for accounts with odd usernames, emails you don’t recognize, or recent registration times.
2. Inspect plugin and core file changes
   • Compare current file hashes with known-good backups.
   • Look for recently modified files under wp-内容/插件 和 wp-content/上传.
   • 例子：
     find . -type f -mtime -14 -print (lists files modified in the last 14 days)
3. Scan for webshells and malware
   • Search for suspicious PHP files in writable directories. Common indicators:
   • eval(base64_decode(
   • preg_replace("/.*/e",
   • system($_GET['cmd'])
   • Example grep:
     grep -R --exclude-dir=vendor -n "base64_decode" wp-content/
4. Web server and access logs
   • Inspect access logs for requests to plugin paths or suspicious POST requests.
   • Look for repeated requests from the same IPs to endpoints like /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or REST endpoints.
5. Database changes
   • 搜索 wp_options for unexpected options, entries that encode malicious payloads, or unknown cron jobs:
   • SELECT option_name, option_value FROM wp_options WHERE option_name LIKE '%felan%' OR option_value LIKE '%base64%';
6. Scheduled tasks (wp-cron)
   • wp cron事件列表 — look for unauthorized cron events or jobs calling plugin code.
7. Reverse DNS and IP reputation checks
   • For IPs that attempted exploitation, check blocklists and geolocation. While many attacks use proxies, IPs may reveal targeted campaigns.
8. Validate the plugin version
   • Confirm the plugin was indeed running a vulnerable version at the time of suspected activity.

Recovery and hardening after compromise

If you confirm a compromise, follow a thorough recovery process:

1. Containment
   • Take the site offline or place it behind a maintenance page.
   • Rotate credentials for all admin users and reset passwords (use strong, unique passwords).
   • Revoke and reissue any API keys and tokens used by plugins.
2. Clean-up
   • Replace modified WordPress core, theme, and plugin files with clean copies from official sources.
   • Remove unknown admin users and revert unauthorized database changes.
   • Delete malicious files and suspicious backdoors (manual or use trusted malware removal tools).
3. Investigate persistence mechanisms
   • Check for:
   • Malicious cron jobs
   • Modified wp-config.php (backdoor code)
   • Code in mu-plugins directory
   • Dropper files in uploads/
4. Rotate secrets
   • Change database passwords, FTP/SFTP, hosting control panel, and any secrets that might be stored on the site.
   • Enforce multi-factor authentication for all privileged accounts where possible.
5. Restore and verify
   • If possible, restore from a clean backup taken before the compromise.
   • Confirm functionality and re-scan for malware before bringing the site back live.
6. Report and learn
   • Document the incident timeline, root cause, and remediation steps.
   • Consider professional incident response if you suspect a large or complex breach.

Guidance for developers — avoid hardcoded secrets

If you are a plugin or theme developer, this incident is a reminder of secure development practices:

• Never embed credentials in code. Use the database, environment variables, or a secure credential store.
• Treat secrets as configuration, not logic. They should be managed outside of version control.
• Use WordPress’ built-in capability checks — do not rely on custom, undocumented authentication shortcuts.
• Sanitize and validate all inputs, and authenticate every action that performs privileged work.
• Provide clear upgrade paths and timely security fixes.
• Run static code analysis and periodic security reviews.
• Establish a responsible disclosure process and monitor for reports.

How WP-Firewall protects sites from this kind of risk

At WP-Firewall we encounter vulnerabilities like this frequently. Our layered approach is designed to reduce exposure and provide rapid protection:

• Managed WAF rules: We create and deploy virtual patches (WAF rules) that block exploit traffic patterns specific to disclosed vulnerabilities, preventing attackers from reaching vulnerable plugin endpoints.
• Malware scanning and detection: Automated scanners look for common signs of compromise, suspicious PHP constructs, and known webshell indicators.
• Incident mitigation: When a new high-severity flaw is disclosed we can deploy targeted rules that block suspicious requests to plugin paths while you schedule the plugin update.
• Auto-mitigation features: For customers on managed plans, automated mitigations can be applied across multiple sites quickly to reduce attack surface.
• Reporting and guidance: We provide actionable remediation steps and checks so administrators can verify whether a site was impacted and recover safely.

These protections work together to buy you time to patch and to catch exploitation attempts before they result in a full compromise.

Start protecting right away — free baseline protection

Title: Immediate, no-cost baseline protection for vulnerable sites

We recommend every WordPress site owner put baseline defenses in place now. WP-Firewall’s Basic (Free) plan provides essential protection that significantly reduces the risk window while you apply patches:

• Essential protection: managed firewall with a library of rules, unlimited bandwidth, and a web application firewall (WAF)
• Malware scanner: automated scanning to detect common indicators of compromise and suspicious files
• Mitigation of OWASP Top 10 risks: WAF rules and best-practice policies to block common classes of attacks

Sign up for the free plan and enable baseline protection for your site in minutes:
https://my.wp-firewall.com/buy/wp-firewall-free-plan/

If you manage multiple sites or require automatic malware removal and virtual patching, our paid plans add stricter protections and proactive services tailored to your needs.

Appendix: practical commands and WAF rule examples

Below are practical commands and sample rules helpful for administrators. Use them with caution and adapt to your site.

1. Identify plugin files and version quickly:

   # List plugin directory and read plugin header
   ls -la wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/
   grep -R "Version" wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/* | head

2. Find recent file changes (last 30 days):

   find wp-content/plugins -type f -mtime -30 -print

3. List administrator users via WP-CLI:

   wp user list --role=administrator --fields=ID,user_login,user_email,user_registered

4. Search for suspicious PHP patterns:

   grep -R --exclude-dir=node_modules --exclude-dir=vendor -n "base64_decode\|eval(\|preg_replace(.*/e\)" .

5. Example ModSecurity rule: block requests to plugin path (conceptual)

   # Block any request referencing the vulnerable plugin path
   SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains /wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/" \
     "id:100500,phase:1,deny,log,status:403,msg:'Blocked request to Felan Framework plugin path'"

6. Example Nginx config to restrict plugin folder to admin IPs (replace with your IP):

   location ^~ /wp-content/plugins/felan-framework/ {
       allow 203.0.113.42;   # your admin IP
       deny all;
       return 403;
   }

   Note: This may break legitimate plugin functionality if it needs to serve assets publicly. Use as emergency measure only.

7. Example rule to block specific POST parameter (replace param name with observed exploit param):

   SecRule REQUEST_HEADERS:Content-Type "application/x-www-form-urlencoded" \
     "chain,SecRule ARGS:param_name \"@rx ^(hardcoded_secret|suspicious_value)$\" \
      ,id:100501,phase:2,deny,status:403,log,msg:'Blocked known Felan exploit parameter'"

Final notes — a few practical tips

• Prioritize updates. Patching to 1.1.5 is the correct, permanent fix.
• If you run dozens or hundreds of sites, automate patching and use central management to schedule updates safely.
• Use layered defenses: WAF + malware scanner + monitoring + good operational hygiene (backups, least privilege).
• If you find evidence of compromise and you’re unsure how to proceed, seek professional incident response. Timely, thorough cleanup prevents long-term damage.

If you’d like help auditing a list of sites for this plugin, assistance deploying temporary WAF rules, or a walkthrough of detection commands, our team is available to help. We understand how stressful a high-severity disclosure like this can be — protect yourself now, update, and validate.

— WP-Firewall Research & Incident Response Team